PETERSBURG, Alaska - While incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan and his main Democratic opponent Mary Peltola led local parades on Independence Day, the other Dan Sullivan in the Senate race stayed out of the spotlight during events in his longtime hometown.

He fit right in among neighbors in a tight-knit community. He avoided any campaign activity. "I did not want to shift attention away from the holiday itself," he explained.

This Dan J. Sullivan has stood out as an unusual contender since announcing. His identical name and shared Republican label with the sitting senator sparked swift criticism in a contest that may determine Senate control. The incumbent and party supporters labeled the primary challenger a plant backed by Democrats to create voter confusion and aid Peltola. Dan J. Sullivan and the Peltola team rejected those accusations.

A senior elections official removed Dan J. Sullivan from the ballot, but the Alaska Supreme Court reinstated him.

Alaska uses a single primary open to all candidates, with the top four advancing to a ranked-choice general election. The Senate primary features 16 entrants, though only the incumbent and Peltola have raised notable funds so far.

Petersburg is a remote island town of roughly 3,000 residents reachable solely by plane or boat. Longtime locals struggle to accept portrayals of their neighbor, a former elementary and middle school teacher, as a political operative.

"It takes quite a stretch to suddenly question Dan Sullivan's integrity, since he has always been a trustworthy person," said Orin Pierson, publisher of the Petersburg Pilot.

Even residents unsure of their vote or unwilling to declare criticized attempts to exclude the newcomer, noting he satisfies the constitutional standards for age, residency and citizenship.

"Preventing someone from running by calling the bid fake reflects fear," said Linda Bunge at a community gathering near a beach lined with seaweed at low tide. Bunge leans toward Peltola but remains open to Dan J. Sullivan.

Jeigh Stanton Gregor, a borough assembly member and former school colleague, expressed surprise at the run since Sullivan had declined earlier invitations for local roles. He described Sullivan's reputation as beyond reproach.

Stanton Gregor awaits further campaign developments before choosing. He shares Sullivan's focus on healthcare expenses yet values working with the senator and respects Peltola. As a Democrat, he votes based on individuals rather than party labels.

"Personal character matters greatly to me," he noted.

Last month Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom launched a probe into Dan J. Sullivan's candidacy, citing claims of coordination with another campaign to mislead voters. The inquiry followed assertions from a National Republican Senatorial Committee lawyer pointing to a consultant's prior Democratic ties as proof of an effort to confuse voters and favor Peltola. Republican Senate groups have repeated the charge.

Dan J. Sullivan maintained the state lacked authority to disqualify him and called coordination claims baseless, adding that a consultant's history does not justify investigation. State Democrats and allied groups denied any involvement. Elections director Carol Beecher cited no coordination evidence when removing him from the ballot.

She instead ruled the filing lacked good faith, referencing his recent party registration and a campaign site resembling the senator's.

A trial judge overturned the removal, finding it exceeded legal bounds and lacked support for claims of voter confusion. The Supreme Court upheld ballot placement while directing the Division of Elections on implementation.

The challenger appears as Republican Dan J. Sullivan, while listed officially as Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. without party designation. The senator appears as Republican Dan S. Sullivan with an incumbent label.

Dan J. Sullivan views the distinction as uneven yet accepts it may reduce confusion if that remains the agency's priority.

He recognizes his name provides an edge over lesser-known candidates and seeks to leverage the attention responsibly. Plans include fundraising, possible travel to other areas, and forum participation. He maintains a Facebook page and simple website.

"I seek meaningful change, and this offers a chance to reach more people than yard signs or letters alone," he said.

No single issue drove his decision, though frustration with the incumbent's responsiveness played a role. He urged the senator to join Lisa Murkowski in opposing a proposed compensation fund for Jan. 6 participants.

Dan J. Sullivan expressed concern that tariff policies and tensions with Iran are raising costs for Alaskans. He views recent rural healthcare funding as insufficient for immediate local needs.

Petersburg and similar communities face limited medical services, requiring travel for specialized care. Residents often combine trips to Juneau with ferry transport and bulk purchases at larger stores.

Resident Grace Wolf praised the senator's fiscal approach and military service but suggested grassroots candidates may better suit current needs.

She intends to support Dan J. Sullivan, known locally as Mr. Sullivan.

Wolf highlighted challenges with housing affordability and fishery protection. She believes officials familiar with these issues serve the community best regardless of party.